Local Sustainable Development Research Articles

The Business Clinic Program by the Department of Cooperatives, Industry, and Trade (Diskopindag) of Malang City is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through need-based training, intensive mentoring, financing facilitation, legal assistance, and product promotion. The program not only focuses on improving technical capabilities but also encourages entrepreneurial mindset shifts to adapt with market dynamics and digital technology. One of its main strengths is the tutor system, where each tutor assists five MSMEs intensively for a year. Furthermore, cross-sector collaboration and a data-driven evaluation approach make the program measurable and impactful. As a result, many MSMEs experience increased sales, improved production efficiency, and are able to access modern markets and export opportunities. Despite facing challenges such as limited access to finance and digitalization gaps, this program serves as a comprehensive and inclusive empowerment model that can be replicated by other regions as part of sustainable local economic development strategies.

This study focuses on the importance of Cinecittà as a springboard for the development of film tourism, but also as an example of contemporary cultural entrepreneurship that promotes sustainable local development. Through the use of historical examples, statistical data, and references to international and Italian productions, the multidimensional influence of Cinecittà and its role in strengthening the international image of Rome and Italy are analyzed. Cinecittà is not just a film studio, but a multifunctional organization where art interacts with the economy, society, and tourism. Finally, the paper attempts to map out the challenges and prospects for the future, offering a comprehensive assessment of Cinecittà's position and dynamics in the contemporary cultural and economic landscape.

This study analyzes how Community-Based Tourism (CBT) has been formed and implemented in Gohan-eup, Jeongseon-gun—a former mining community that has sought survival and recovery in the post-mining era. CBT is a form of sustainable tourism that aims to minimize negative impacts of tourism development while maximizing local benefits, characterized by locally driven, resident-led tourism initiatives. Focusing on the successful case of a community-operated village hotel, this research explores the formation and key factors behind the effective implementation of CBT. The study adopts an instrumental case study approach using qualitative data from literature review, participant observation, and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. The findings reveal that the emergence of capable leaders and active resident support were key formation factors. Crucial success factors included the community's self-organization process, the development of collective efficacy, collaborative governance, and the internalization of external human resources. Based on these findings, a “Successful CBT Implementation Model” is proposed, emphasizing the role of social and institutional support at the individual, organizational, and network levels. This study refines the conceptual understanding of CBT, offers an analytical framework for its multi-layered implementation mechanisms. Practically, it empirically validates the effectiveness of resident-led tourism policies, providing strategic and policy implications for promoting CBT as a sustainable local development model.

Background: Chapai-Nawabgonj is located in the northern part of Bangladesh and is an important region for aquaculture, where fish seed production currently plays a vital role in both the local economy and sustainable fisheries development. Objective: The general objective of the study was to assess the present status of fish seed production in Chapai-Nawabgonj, a northern district of Bangladesh, to understand its current practices, challenges, and potential for development. Methodology: This study was designed as a descriptive and field-based survey to assess the current status of fish seed production. The research was conducted in various hatcheries and fish farms located in Chapai-Nawabgonj, situated in the northern region of Bangladesh. The study period spanned from January 2024 to December 2024, covering both peak and off-peak seasons of fish seed production. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, personal interviews with hatchery owners and workers, and direct observation of hatchery operations. Secondary data were also gathered from local fisheries offices and previous reports. The collected data were then analyzed to evaluate the production techniques, challenges faced, and potential areas for improvement. Results: The study revealed that fish seed production in Chapai-Nawabgonj is growing steadily and plays an important role in the local aquaculture sector. Most hatcheries are operating with limited technological advancement and face challenges such as inadequate training and financial support. Seasonal variations significantly impact seed availability, with shortages commonly observed during the off-season. Key problems identified include poor water quality, disease outbreaks, and lack of modern hatchery management practices. Overall, there is strong potential for enhanced fish seed production through better training, infrastructure, and policy support. Conclusion: In conclusion, fish seed production in Chapai-Nawabgonj holds significant potential for growth and it requires improved technical support, training, and infrastructure. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, June 2025;12(1):125-133

This study examined the leadership styles and performance outcomes of barangay officials in La Union, Philippines, with the aim of assessing their role in strengthening grassroots governance and local political development. Guided by the objectives, the research explored how democratic, participative, and authoritarian leadership styles influenced governance performance across service delivery, transparency, responsiveness, and citizen participation. A descriptive-correlational design was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Survey data were gathered from barangay officials using a structured questionnaire, while in-depth interviews provided contextual insights. Descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, Pearson’s r correlations, and multiple regression were applied to analyze the quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used for qualitative responses. Findings revealed that participative and democratic leadership styles were most frequently practiced and positively correlated with higher governance performance, particularly in transparency, responsiveness, and service delivery. Conversely, authoritarian leadership, while occasionally expedient in emergencies, showed a negative relationship with participation and trust. Qualitative themes reinforced these results, demonstrating that participatory practices build trust and efficiency, democratic communication enhances transparency, and authoritarian shortcuts erode sustained citizen engagement. Respondents also emphasized that harmonious workplace climates amplified performance despite limited resources, while gaps in capacity and clarity underscored the need for institutional support systems. The study concludes that grassroots governance thrives under participatory and democratic leadership, complemented by cultural values such as bayanihan, pakikisama, and pakikipagkapwa. Effective leadership must therefore be supported by clear systems, capacity-building, and citizen engagement mechanisms to achieve sustainable local political development.

University social incubators have been emerging as relevant instruments within the Third Mission of higher education institutions, as they contribute not only to entrepreneurship and innovation but also to the promotion of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE). While the literature on technological and business incubators is extensive, limited attention has been devoted to university social incubators and their role in strengthening SSE initiatives. This article presents partial results of a broader international research project, focusing specifically on the survey data collected in Argentina and Brazil. The comparative analysis highlights that, in both countries, university social incubators are more numerous than in many European contexts. In Brazil, the institutionalization of public programs such as PRONINC and ITCP has enabled universities to consolidate their engagement with SSE, while in Argentina experiences are more fragmented and less supported by stable policy frameworks. The findings show that university social incubators play a distinctive role in supporting cooperative projects, social enterprises, and community-based initiatives. They act as bridges between universities and local territories, fostering inclusive and sustainable development. Finally, the article discusses the managerial implications for incubator managers, universities, and SSE actors, as well as policy recommendations for decision-makers seeking to integrate SSE into innovation and development strategies. In doing so, the study contributes to the international debate on university incubators by moving beyond technology-oriented models and emphasizing their social transformative potential.

This study examines administrative challenges affecting revenue mobilization in the Morogoro Municipal Council (MMC), one of Tanzania's Local Government Authorities (LGAs). While LGAs are significant for service delivery and development, their capacity is undermined by poor revenue mobilization. From a case study design, data were collected through questionnaires and interviews from 133 respondents, analyzed using descriptive and thematic methods. Results indicate that revenue mobilization in MMC is majorly constrained by bureaucratic procedures, lack of adequate training, staff shortages, unrealistic revenue targets, weak communication, limited resources, and unequal distribution of tasks. Even if introduced, digital systems cannot address the enforcement gap or ensure a higher engagement of taxpayers. This study concludes that institutional and administrative problems need to be addressed to enhance revenue performance. Thus, measures should be taken to simplify procedures, build staff capacity, enhance resource allocation, and align targets with realistic expectations to support sustainable local development.

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the extent to which minibreweries in the V4 countries are able to implement the principles of circular economy and environmentally friendly behavior and whether their localization and input structure affect the extent of these activities. Theoretical Framework: Small and medium-sized enterprises are increasingly recognized as important actors in sustainability transitions. Minibreweries, due to their strong local embeddedness, represent an illustrative case for examining how location, supply chains, and firm size affect sustainable development goals (SDGs). Method: The analysis is based on primary data from a questionnaire survey among 40 breweries in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. A composite indicator (EnvScore) is constructed from five items measuring environmental practices. Statistical techniques included descriptive analysis, one-way and two-way ANOVA, OLS regression, and Tukey post-hoc tests. Results and Discussion: Breweries located in rural areas and small towns showed significantly higher environmental orientation than those in capital cities. A positive association was found between the share of domestic inputs and EnvScore, underscoring the importance of local supply chains. Production volume and country of origin did not significantly affect environmental behavior. These findings indicate that local context plays a stronger role than macro-level national differences. Research Implications: The results highlight the need for regional and national support schemes to consider the specificities of rural and locally embedded breweries in fostering sustainable practices and SDGs. Originality/Value: This paper provides one of the first comparative analyses of environmental behavior among minibreweries in the V4 region, linking micro-level business practices to broader debates on sustainability and circular economy.

Schools play a fundamental role in the formation of conscious citizens. This study analyzed the impacts of environmental education in schools, focusing on the Sustainable School Seal program in a high school. The research, which used a qualitative approach, used interviews with teachers and administrators to assess practices and challenges. Projects such as recycling, organic gardening, composting and gardening promoted environmental awareness. The Seal reinforced the institution's commitment to the environment and made resources available. However, the lack of funding and teacher qualifications still limits progress. Environmental education was essential for the formation of citizenship, the strengthening of family farming and local sustainable development.

The Ormawa Capacity Building Programme (PPK Ormawa) in Peron Village, Limbangan Subdistrict, Kendal Regency aims to improve the community's capacity in sustainable coffee management while optimising the use of coffee husks into cascara tea. Until now, coffee husks have tended to be discarded, potentially causing environmental pollution. The activities were carried out in three stages, namely preparation, implementation, and evaluation, involving the SEKAR Group as well as assistance from lecturers and students. The results of the programme showed a significant increase in the knowledge and skills of the participants. The Wilcoxon test showed a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores (p < 0.001). The attendance rate of participants reached 88%, with 76% of them able to independently practise cascara production. In addition to producing cascara as a new economic alternative, this programme also succeeded in changing the community's paradigm in viewing coffee waste as a valuable resource. The implementation of the zero waste and circular economy concepts through this activity supports sustainable local economic development and has the potential to be replicated in other coffee-producing villages.

This study aims to examine the potential of processing purple sweet potatoes into stick-shaped snack products as an effort to improve the economy of Tebing Linggahara Village. Purple sweet potato is a local commodity with high nutritional value, antioxidant content, and promising market prospects when processed into modern snack products. The research method used was a descriptive approach consisting of observation, interviews, and direct product processing practices with the local community. The findings indicate that processing purple sweet potatoes into snack sticks provides higher economic value compared to selling fresh sweet potatoes, which generally have lower market prices. In addition, the community gained knowledge of food processing techniques, hygiene standards, packaging, and effective marketing strategies to enhance product competitiveness. Thus, purple sweet potato stick processing has the potential to serve as a sustainable local MSME development strategy, thereby improving the welfare and economic independence of Tebing Linggahara Village residents.

The water-food-ecosystem nexus (WFE nexus) forms the foundation for achieving sustainable development. Managing ecosystem services (ESs) from this perspective is crucial for maintaining and enhancing ecosystem sustainability. However, synchronously mitigating trade-offs and supply-demand conflicts among ESs poses a significant challenge for sustainable ecosystem management. This study proposes a spatial management zoning framework integrating information on ESs trade-offs and supply-demand relationships from the perspective of the WFE nexus. This framework aims to precisely distinguish regional differences in ESs trade-off characteristics and supply-demand risk levels. We applied this framework to China's Loess Plateau (LP) in China, where the simultaneous safeguarding of water, food, and ecological security has become a major challenge for local sustainable development. Based on analyzing ESs trade-offs and supply-demand matching relationships, our framework divided the LP into ten management zones. Each of these zones faces similar ecological issues internally, while different zones confront distinct ecological problems. Consequently, we propose targeted management strategies for each zone based on their unique ecological issues. Our framework deepens the research on the WFE nexus and provides a new perspective for simultaneously resolving ESs trade-offs and supply-demand conflicts.

This study examines the effectiveness of Open Data policies in enhancing public participation and government accountability in Poso Regency. Utilizing a library research approach, it analyzes secondary data to assess how open access to public data fosters transparency and civic engagement. The findings reveal that Open Data, through initiatives like the Village Information Sistem (SID), improves administrative efficiency and financial oversight, yet faces challenges such as limited digital literacy, unstable internet connectivity, and public apathy. These factors hinder optimal participation and accountability. The study highlights the need for digital literacy programs, improved infrastructure, and inclusive leadership to maximize the policy’s impact. Open Data serves as a catalyst for sustainable local governance and development in Poso.

ABSTRACT National parks represent a unique intersection of ecological conservation and economic opportunities. Clarifying whether national parks drive regional economic growth can achieve sustainable development of the natural protected area system with national parks as the main body in the future. This article uses the difference in differences method to evaluate the driving effect of national park pilot projects on regional economic growth. The study found that the pilot projects in the national parks have sustained regional economic growth and promoted coordinated regional development, mainly through improved infrastructure and tourism development, while the effect on employment levels has not been significant. Based on this, it is recommended that local governments guide residents to participate in the construction of national parks, formulate sustainable development plans, and emphasize the development of urban infrastructure and the tourism industry to enhance local economic vitality.

Abstract This study highlights the importance of adopting renewable energy in a region historically dominated by coal mining. The Jiu Valley, long known for its coal mines, faces significant challenges in transitioning to sustainable energy sources, particularly due to the major environmental impact caused by its polluting industries. This case study explores the potential of green energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, to reduce the region’s carbon footprint while revitalizing its economy and environment. The integration of these renewable sources not only supports global climate objectives but also fosters local sustainable development by creating new jobs and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels. The analysis focuses on the steps needed to implement this transition, the involvement of local communities, and the public policies that could accelerate the process. Through a responsible approach to energy, the Jiu Valley has the potential to become a model for the successful conversion of traditional fossil fuel-dependent areas into a future of sustainable and green energy.

Abstract This article elaborates on a conceptual foundation of an analytical ‘multiple-helix’ approach for local sustainable development. It firstly explores relevant theoretical foundations, filtering out findings and identifying knowledge gaps that can contribute to frame the concept. Through empirical enquiries, the conceptual discussion is contrasted with illustrations from the EU Interreg North Sea project called SIRR (Sustainability, Innovation and Resilience in Rural Areas). This article evaluates how an analytical multiple-helix approach can redefine stakeholder roles, power relations, and collaborative processes in local development. This study argues that the multiple-helix approach, with its inherent adaptability and fluidity, effectively engages a diverse range of stakeholders. Unlike traditional helix models that often rely on predefined categories or fixed sets of actors, a multiple-helix approach provides a dynamic, locally adaptable framework for stakeholder collaboration and innovation. This interconnectedness enables an enhanced exchange of ideas and resources across sectors, fostering innovation and holistic solutions. However, the article highlights that further research is required to refine strategies for analysing micro-level interactions and to better understand the governance dynamics, democratic representation, and power distribution within multiple-helix collaborations. By bridging conceptual and empirical perspectives, this study contributes to the development of a more nuanced and practical analytical framework for fostering sustainable, resilient local development.

The ecological safety of plateau-characteristic agribusinesses (PCABs) encompasses not only environmental protection during production but also enhancing output without harming the ecosystem. Objectively evaluating PCABs’ ecological safety levels is crucial for making management decisions and promoting local sustainable development. However, existing evaluation methods fail to incorporate expert knowledge structures, leading to limitations in both scientific validity and practical applicability. To address this gap, we propose an ecological safety evaluation method based on knowledge granularity, tailored to PCABs. The evaluation process involves the following steps: first, numerous knowledge points across macro-, meso-, and micro-levels are organized, and a hierarchical knowledge structure is designed for experts to freely select. Second, using belief distribution functions, experts provide evaluation information at varying levels of knowledge granularity. Third, expert weights and reliability parameters are determined through entropy and similarity calculations. Subsequently, the generalized combination rule is applied to progressively integrate multilevel knowledge-granularity evaluation information, from bottom to top and from individual to group, producing high-quality group evaluations. Finally, the method is applied to a typical plateau specialty agribusiness; the results indicate that its ecological safety status is “good.” On that basis, we make targeted management recommendations.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-13127-8.

Rural periodic markets play a vital role in shaping the social fabric, economy, and daily lives of rural communities, and they also act as fundamental building blocks within the complex marketplace exchange system in rural areas. However, despite their importance and the opportunities they present, consumers continue to face several critical challenges in utilizing these markets effectively. This study was conducted at Sola, Mahaha, Kabila, and Magu periodic markets in Magu District to assess consumers’ preferences for rural periodic markets, understand the factors influencing their buying behavior, and explore their perceived effects on access to commodities. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 236 consumers. Multiple responses, binary logistic regression, and the likert scale were used for analysis. The findings revealed that manufactured goods were more preferred by consumers in rural periodic markets compared to agricultural and livestock products. This preference was largely influenced by factors such as product availability, affordability, and the convenience of the market’s location. Most consumers acknowledged that rural periodic markets played a positive role in improving their access to essential commodities. Nevertheless, despite these benefits, the study identified several challenges faced by consumers, particularly price fluctuations, inadequate market facilities, and an unfavorable market environment, which collectively affected their overall purchasing experience. Thus, enhancing rural periodic markets in Magu District requires a multi-sectoral approach that integrates infrastructure development, market organization, access to financial and information services, and inclusive policy support. By addressing these areas holistically, periodic markets can become vibrant economic hubs that contribute significantly to rural livelihoods, food security, and sustainable local development.

Mentoring for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who are broomstick artisans in Tembong Village, Cipocok Jaya District, was carried out as an effort to improve product quality and expand competitiveness in local and regional markets. This activity was motivated by low product innovation, limited business management knowledge, and minimal marketing strategies used by artisans. The mentoring method was carried out through several stages, namely needs analysis, training to improve production quality, product design and packaging development, business management training, and mentoring on digital-based marketing strategies. The results of the activity showed an increase in artisan skills in producing higher quality broomsticks, more attractive product packaging, and a better understanding of business management and online marketing. This mentoring is expected to increase the competitiveness of MSMEs who are broomstick artisans, open wider market opportunities, and support sustainable local economic development in Tembong Village, Cipocok Jaya District.

This study explores the role of solidarity finance in promoting local development and the empowerment of marginalized communities through financial inclusion and access to community credits. It focuses on how solidarity-based financial mechanisms provide accessible credit with fewer barriers, fostering productive activities and economic resilience. This study employed a quantitative and exploratory design, analyzing data from 51 community funds in Ecuador out of a total of 220 through a self-administered online survey, validated by auditing professionals and answered by community representatives. The 25-item questionnaire gathered data on organizational dynamics, financial practices, and perceptions of sustainability. Descriptive analysis was complemented with an analysis of variance to test hypotheses concerning associativity, self-management, and organizational performance. The results show that while associativity, self-management, and organizational management are perceived as institutional strengths, aspects such as autonomy and solidarity received lower evaluations, suggesting critical areas for strategic improvement. Notably, significant differences emerged between self-management–organization and solidarity–organization groups, emphasizing the importance of associativity (collaboration) in enhancing the sustainability of solidarity finance, which proves to be a vital mechanism for community empowerment and local development; however, its long-term sustainability depends on strengthening internal dimensions, particularly autonomy and solidarity, and reinforcing associativity as a core driver of organizational resilience.